UFC president Dana White on Thursday revealed that UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been signed to a new contract.

Velasquez still had three fights remaining on his current deal, but White – who was in a bit of a defensive mood following questions about Jon Fitch and 15 other fighters recently being released – felt the need to explain that, despite the recent paring down of its roster, the UFC tries to do the right thing by its fighters.

He revealed Velasquez’s new contract as an example.

“We pay guys more than what their contract says we have to pay them,” he said.

“I have three fights left with Cain Velasquez. We just signed a new eight-fight deal with Cain Velasquez. I didn't have to do that. He deserved it. We did it.”

Velasquez has fought the majority of his professional career under the UFC banner. He is 11-1 overall and 9-1 in the Octagon.

Velasquez recaptured the UFC heavyweight championship in a UFC 155 rematch with Junior dos Santos, having lost the belt to the Brazilian in late 2011.

He is now slated to put his belt on the line in a rematch with Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in the UFC 160 main event on May 25 in Las Vegas.